Australia upgrades the Warrego Highway in Queensland
Queensland motorists are a step closer to being safer after a joint venture between FKG Group and McIlwain Civil was awarded the contract to upgrade the Warrego Highway through Dalby.
The upgrade will focus on improving conditions for motorists and pedestrians by creating better connectivity and providing extra turning lanes and safety features.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Warrego Highway Upgrade Programme was a building safer, more efficient road network for all drivers.
“The Australian and Queensland governments are committed to enhancing our roads by delivering a safer road network for all motorists driving through Dalby and the surrounding area. In combination, these two projects at Dalby East and Dalby West will improve connectivity across the highway, and improve safety by adding extra turning lanes and traffic signals,” Mr Chester said.
Acting Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Steven Miles said the delivery of the two separate projects at the same time would reduce disruption for road users and locals.
“This is such a vital project that will ultimately lead to safer road conditions around Dalby,” Mr Miles said.
“The Warrego Highway will be realigned to the south of the existing highway which will become a service road for the industrial estate. Removing heavy vehicles accessing the industrial estate from highway traffic will enhance safety. Works are scheduled for completion by the end of 2018 and an average of 222 jobs will be supported over the life of these projects.”
Federal Member for Maranoa for David Littleproud outlined the details of the two projects, which will cover around seven kilometres, from Dalby West between Nicholson and Watts streets and Dalby East between Winton and Nicholson streets.
“As part of the works, there will be a new four-lane section between Dalby—Cecil Plains Road and Orpen Street, along with a new four-lane section between Moonie Highway and Black Street. There will also be upgrades to the existing four-lane section between Orpen Street and the Moonie Highway including a centre median strip, new kerbs and improved street lights,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Roughly 7,000 vehicles use this route each day, so the addition of new lanes and traffic signals will make a big difference in managing the increasing amount of traffic and keeping all drivers and pedestrians safe.”
The $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Programme is a package of 15 works funded by the Australian and the Queensland government’s on an 80:20 funding split arrangement.
